Uncovered! Gluten-free Makeup, Ingredients to Look For

I realized something the other day: living gluten-free is like being trapped in a giant Where’s Waldo – except we’re not looking for a man with a pom-pom hat, we’re looking for invisible particles that make us sick.

It’s much less fun this way, no? Still, being gluten-free is good training for detective work. When we talked about the Wall Street Journal’s coverage of the gluten-free community the other week, it turned out that there was some detective work still to be done.

The topic? Make-up. Is there such a thing as gluten-free makeup, and how hard is it to find? Do people with a gluten intolerance really need to worry about which lipstick they buy?

I put on my best pom-pom hat and got to sleuthing. As I’m not a lipstick wearer, this was new research for me. I happen to use gluten-free mascara, but that’s just because I like the product – I’m not worried about mistaking it for some Fun Dip.

If you aren’t concerned with accidentally ingesting the product, you likely needn’t be too concerned with its contents. Reactions to gluten are based on what gets into our digestive tract, not what lands on our skin.

For products of concern, like lipstick, L’oreal shared a very relevant list. The list contains all ingredients, in all L’oreal products, that might contain gluten. You can visit their website for the full brand list, but it includes Garnier, Maybelline, Redkin, Lancôme, and The Body Shop.

click to enlarge!

Because the not-gluten-free makeup list gives industry standard names as found in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, you should be able to use it to cross-check a fair amount of other brands as well.

If you’re concerned about a specific product you use, the best thing to do is the obvious one: contact the company. Explain that gluten is often not labeled clearly, and that extracts from wheat, barley, malt, rye, or maybe even oats could make you sick. Look at your gluten-free dining cards for some ideas of how to phrase this. You still might get a generic answer, but at least you’ll have tried.

What about you? Which brands have you had a good – or bad – experience with?

I recently discovered that I had been glutened by my Revlon lipstick. I had been becoming sicker and sicker but so slowly it took me a while to realize what was happening. Within 2 days of stopping the product, I was better.

Contacting the company only produced a list of ingredients but they would not discuss the possible introduction of gluten into the product or whether the ingredients were technically gluten free. After looking at the list of ingredients, I can only assume it’s the tocopherol (vitamin E) source, probably from wheat germ.

Now that I’ve had a month without lipstick, I’m on the hunt for gluten free options.

I recently discovered that I had been glutened by my Revlon lipstick. I had been becoming sicker and sicker but so slowly it took me a while to realize what was happening. Within 2 days of stopping the product, I was better.

Contacting the company only produced a list of ingredients but they would not discuss the possible introduction of gluten into the product or whether the ingredients were technically gluten free. After looking at the list of ingredients, I can only assume it’s the tocopherol (vitamin E) source, probably from wheat germ.

Now that I’ve had a month without lipstick, I’m on the hunt for gluten free options.

Stila will provide a gluten-free list if you phone them, and I love their lip gloss–even though it’s gloss, it really lasts, and has some great colors. More expensive than brands such as Revlon, but lasts so much longer I think it’s worth it.

“Reactions to gluten are based on what gets into our digestive tract, not what lands on our skin.” Technically true–but beauty products can get from your skin to your mouth pretty easily. Depends upon your level of sensitivity, but I’ve reacted to both shampoo and conditioner with wheat as ingredients. Vitamin E is tricky, as many companies don’t clarify its source. If you’re very sensitive, there are companies producing fully gluten-free cosmetics, for example “Afterglow,” that may be better bets than the megaconglomerates. And some companies change when they’re bought out (i.e., Aveda) and quit supplying gluten info or only issue a cya response to inquiries.

Stila will provide a gluten-free list if you phone them, and I love their lip gloss–even though it’s gloss, it really lasts, and has some great colors. More expensive than brands such as Revlon, but lasts so much longer I think it’s worth it.

“Reactions to gluten are based on what gets into our digestive tract, not what lands on our skin.” Technically true–but beauty products can get from your skin to your mouth pretty easily. Depends upon your level of sensitivity, but I’ve reacted to both shampoo and conditioner with wheat as ingredients. Vitamin E is tricky, as many companies don’t clarify its source. If you’re very sensitive, there are companies producing fully gluten-free cosmetics, for example “Afterglow,” that may be better bets than the megaconglomerates. And some companies change when they’re bought out (i.e., Aveda) and quit supplying gluten info or only issue a cya response to inquiries.

Mindy, seems like Judi and Renee have some good ideas for places to start – let us know when you find a lipstick you like!

And, Renee, you’re right. Sensitivity levels vary from person to person, and the odds of getting vary from product to product — in some cases, the clearly-labeled gluten-free option is definitely the best.

Mindy, seems like Judi and Renee have some good ideas for places to start – let us know when you find a lipstick you like!

And, Renee, you’re right. Sensitivity levels vary from person to person, and the odds of getting vary from product to product — in some cases, the clearly-labeled gluten-free option is definitely the best.

Makeup companies are the WORST about helping to determine which of their products are gluten free. I am all for supporting only companies that will provide lists of gluten free products and/or are able to stand behind their gluten free products as being TRULY gluten free rather than giving the “while we don’t intentionally add gluten to this product…” yadayadayada.

Makeup companies are the WORST about helping to determine which of their products are gluten free. I am all for supporting only companies that will provide lists of gluten free products and/or are able to stand behind their gluten free products as being TRULY gluten free rather than giving the “while we don’t intentionally add gluten to this product…” yadayadayada.

I personally like Tarte lipsticks. They are really good about labelling their products. Hemp brand lipsticks are great, but are harder to find and have fewer color choices. They last forever, though. I have Celiac, but don’t have any problem with shampoos. Also, I have tried Arbonne products and they just don’t work for my family. My daughter has well controlled eczema but had a horrendous episode after using Arbonne. Again, what works for one doesn’t work for all. Oh, and Neutrogena is really good about labels as well, and they will gladly tell you which products are gf.

I personally like Tarte lipsticks. They are really good about labelling their products. Hemp brand lipsticks are great, but are harder to find and have fewer color choices. They last forever, though. I have Celiac, but don’t have any problem with shampoos. Also, I have tried Arbonne products and they just don’t work for my family. My daughter has well controlled eczema but had a horrendous episode after using Arbonne. Again, what works for one doesn’t work for all. Oh, and Neutrogena is really good about labels as well, and they will gladly tell you which products are gf.

I do believe gluten matters in topical products! I have a more rare reaction to gluten, it effects me neurologically- I get a form of ataxia or feeling off balance which makes me nauseous. I feel better 95% of the time staying away from wheat and gluten. However, last summer one day I started to feel a little off and by the next day felt really awful. I couldn’t figure out what I had eaten because I’m always careful. Then I remembered that I had used a new lotion all over my body for the last 2 days! Yes, it had wheat protein in it. If I ever had a question if topical products can affect me, I found out the hard way. For some truly great, natural products try “100% Pure”. 99% of their products are gluten free and they claim gluten free (Mascara is not). Not only are these products gluten free, but totally good for you and they work!!! Sign up for their e-mails to get great savings sent to you every week on products they highlight that week.

I do believe gluten matters in topical products! I have a more rare reaction to gluten, it effects me neurologically- I get a form of ataxia or feeling off balance which makes me nauseous. I feel better 95% of the time staying away from wheat and gluten. However, last summer one day I started to feel a little off and by the next day felt really awful. I couldn’t figure out what I had eaten because I’m always careful. Then I remembered that I had used a new lotion all over my body for the last 2 days! Yes, it had wheat protein in it. If I ever had a question if topical products can affect me, I found out the hard way. For some truly great, natural products try “100% Pure”. 99% of their products are gluten free and they claim gluten free (Mascara is not). Not only are these products gluten free, but totally good for you and they work!!! Sign up for their e-mails to get great savings sent to you every week on products they highlight that week.

When I used to use MACs oil based cleanser to remove my make up my eyes would burn terribly. I finally looked at the ingredients halfway through my second bottle and found wheat protein. I also found wheat protein in their brush cleanser. I’m not as concerned with the brush cleanser as I don’t use the brushes on my lips or mucus membranes but I’ve stopped using the make up remover and now I use a home blend of castor oil and olive oil. I have one MAC lipstick that I rarely wear, and most of the time I use Burts Bees lip shimmer. I didn’t recognize and ingredients containing gluten, but I will look again with this list. BB does have gluten in their Rescue lip balm the green label.

When I used to use MACs oil based cleanser to remove my make up my eyes would burn terribly. I finally looked at the ingredients halfway through my second bottle and found wheat protein. I also found wheat protein in their brush cleanser. I’m not as concerned with the brush cleanser as I don’t use the brushes on my lips or mucus membranes but I’ve stopped using the make up remover and now I use a home blend of castor oil and olive oil. I have one MAC lipstick that I rarely wear, and most of the time I use Burts Bees lip shimmer. I didn’t recognize and ingredients containing gluten, but I will look again with this list. BB does have gluten in their Rescue lip balm the green label.

If you have celiac disease, only being concerned about gluten in your digestive tract may or may not be a luxery you have; however, for those of us who have gluten sensitivity which reveals itself in different symptoms, gluten in make-up is a HUGE deal. I don’t have any of the GI symptoms of celiac disease; however, I do have massive cystic acne outbreaks that are extremely painful. I have had outbreaks so painful that I couldn’t sleep at night and have also turned into migraine headaches. Then I was diagnosed with gluten sensitivity and my doctor recommended to go complete GF including anything topical (ie, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, make up, etc.).
There are VERY few companies that manufacture such products. Thankfully, Arbonne has recently re-formulated all of their products to be completely gluten free. Within 1 week of going completely GF, my symptoms, including my painful cystic acne, has completely disappeared. If I accidentally come in contact gluten, it re-appears. I believe excluding gluten from our topical products is just as important as excluding it from what we ingest. Just as celiac disease doesn’t necessarily show its symptoms for many years, I can’t help but wonder what symptoms may appear after years and years of using gluten ridden topical products.

If you have celiac disease, only being concerned about gluten in your digestive tract may or may not be a luxery you have; however, for those of us who have gluten sensitivity which reveals itself in different symptoms, gluten in make-up is a HUGE deal. I don’t have any of the GI symptoms of celiac disease; however, I do have massive cystic acne outbreaks that are extremely painful. I have had outbreaks so painful that I couldn’t sleep at night and have also turned into migraine headaches. Then I was diagnosed with gluten sensitivity and my doctor recommended to go complete GF including anything topical (ie, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, make up, etc.).
There are VERY few companies that manufacture such products. Thankfully, Arbonne has recently re-formulated all of their products to be completely gluten free. Within 1 week of going completely GF, my symptoms, including my painful cystic acne, has completely disappeared. If I accidentally come in contact gluten, it re-appears. I believe excluding gluten from our topical products is just as important as excluding it from what we ingest. Just as celiac disease doesn’t necessarily show its symptoms for many years, I can’t help but wonder what symptoms may appear after years and years of using gluten ridden topical products.

Great topic. I’ve given up most makeup – I was trying to be GF as well as “natural” w/o parabens, sulfates, scary chemicals, and could hardly find a thing to use. Re 100% pure – I’ve been using their mascara, and when I went to reorder noticed that it had both wheat and oat protein in it, so I emailed them explaining celiac and asking that they consider making a formulation w/ perhaps rice protein in it for GF folks (and what an untapped market). The next day, I had a very nice email that thanked me for the suggestion and said they’d forward it to their R&D team. So perhaps there’s hope. As far as other toiletries, I’ve had good luck w/ the GF Savonnerie line (gfsoap.com, they also have other product lines for other sensitivities). I really liked their soap and shea stick. The shampoo and conditioner were fine for me (v short hair). They have nice travel/trial packs. I’ve also used Nature’s Organics (lemon tea tree shampoo). I’ve used Paula’s Choice cleanser, beta hydroxy and benzoyl peroxide and have been very happy with them, but I can’t say whether they are GF (never looked!). Sounds like I might have to check out Arbonne. I’ve got somewhat oily skin w/ hormonal and hereditary breakouts, plus now the derm tells me my skin is very dry (?!), and “skin dandruff” as well as the old bugaboo psoriasis in places. Maybe some of those problems could be alleviated with all GF topical products. For sunscreen, I use mostly Blue Lizard with a couple of Clarins products that are titanium dioxide based. Trying to find good products that meet all my special needs is time consuming and frustrating, so I appreciate the product ideas, and good luck to all.

Great topic. I’ve given up most makeup – I was trying to be GF as well as “natural” w/o parabens, sulfates, scary chemicals, and could hardly find a thing to use. Re 100% pure – I’ve been using their mascara, and when I went to reorder noticed that it had both wheat and oat protein in it, so I emailed them explaining celiac and asking that they consider making a formulation w/ perhaps rice protein in it for GF folks (and what an untapped market). The next day, I had a very nice email that thanked me for the suggestion and said they’d forward it to their R&D team. So perhaps there’s hope. As far as other toiletries, I’ve had good luck w/ the GF Savonnerie line (gfsoap.com, they also have other product lines for other sensitivities). I really liked their soap and shea stick. The shampoo and conditioner were fine for me (v short hair). They have nice travel/trial packs. I’ve also used Nature’s Organics (lemon tea tree shampoo). I’ve used Paula’s Choice cleanser, beta hydroxy and benzoyl peroxide and have been very happy with them, but I can’t say whether they are GF (never looked!). Sounds like I might have to check out Arbonne. I’ve got somewhat oily skin w/ hormonal and hereditary breakouts, plus now the derm tells me my skin is very dry (?!), and “skin dandruff” as well as the old bugaboo psoriasis in places. Maybe some of those problems could be alleviated with all GF topical products. For sunscreen, I use mostly Blue Lizard with a couple of Clarins products that are titanium dioxide based. Trying to find good products that meet all my special needs is time consuming and frustrating, so I appreciate the product ideas, and good luck to all.

My seven-year-old daughter is too young for makeup, but we use Kiss My Face lip balm, which looks, feels, and smells a lot like Chapstick. Some of you may know that Chapstick Co. gives consumers the “can’t guarantee gf status” excuse when you call them. So for kids, Kiss My Face is a nice alternative.

My daughter was diagnosed at age 2. At that time, I was shampooing her hair for her. When she started to shampoo her own hair, we had problems with the gluten-in-shampoo issue. Playing detective-mom, I came to the conclusion that my daughter was getting gluten under her fingernails when she’d shampoo herself, and this was how gluten entered her digestive tract. So for Renee (above)–and other folks like you–that may help explain why you get a reaction to your shampoo.

We’ve been using Suave shampoo, because I called them a couple of years ago, and at that time, they claimed their products were all gf. If anyone has heard differently, please let me know. Sometimes a company will change its gf status. I hope Suave continues to maintain its gf status!

My seven-year-old daughter is too young for makeup, but we use Kiss My Face lip balm, which looks, feels, and smells a lot like Chapstick. Some of you may know that Chapstick Co. gives consumers the “can’t guarantee gf status” excuse when you call them. So for kids, Kiss My Face is a nice alternative.

My daughter was diagnosed at age 2. At that time, I was shampooing her hair for her. When she started to shampoo her own hair, we had problems with the gluten-in-shampoo issue. Playing detective-mom, I came to the conclusion that my daughter was getting gluten under her fingernails when she’d shampoo herself, and this was how gluten entered her digestive tract. So for Renee (above)–and other folks like you–that may help explain why you get a reaction to your shampoo.

We’ve been using Suave shampoo, because I called them a couple of years ago, and at that time, they claimed their products were all gf. If anyone has heard differently, please let me know. Sometimes a company will change its gf status. I hope Suave continues to maintain its gf status!

When I first cut gluten out of my life I kept getting sick and couldn’t figure out why. Finally, I found out my makeup had gluten, so did my shampoo…. So I did a total over haul.
I use Alima Pure makeup, they are on line and they are all gluten free. I love the fact that I can get samples, and they really aren’t very expensive.
I also use Face Naturals face and body products for cleansers, toners, deodorant, and moisturizers…

I’m just so happy I’ve finally found products that I really like, and aren’t outrageously expensive. Both of these companies are very willing to answer any questions.

When I first cut gluten out of my life I kept getting sick and couldn’t figure out why. Finally, I found out my makeup had gluten, so did my shampoo…. So I did a total over haul.
I use Alima Pure makeup, they are on line and they are all gluten free. I love the fact that I can get samples, and they really aren’t very expensive.
I also use Face Naturals face and body products for cleansers, toners, deodorant, and moisturizers…

I’m just so happy I’ve finally found products that I really like, and aren’t outrageously expensive. Both of these companies are very willing to answer any questions.

I am 32 years old and JUST found out that I have Celiac Disease. As is frequently the case with someone that has this disease but is undiagnosed, I have had many frustrating years of my life not feeling well before finally finding out what’s going on. I am really looking forward to feeling better to say the least!

Anyway, to make a long story short, I am finding a ton of conflicting information out there about gluten in cosmetics and skin/beauty care products and I am feeling VERY overwhelmed. In my desperate search to uncover the mysteries behind my products I have sent countless emails to countless companies that either give no response back or else they give a really nebulous answer back. It seems like it could be a full-time job to figure all this stuff out!

Should I just stick with companies like AfterGlow and Alima Pure Makeup (thanks for that recommendation Wendy – I hadn’t heard of them) and companies that will give me a straight-forward answer?!

I am 32 years old and JUST found out that I have Celiac Disease. As is frequently the case with someone that has this disease but is undiagnosed, I have had many frustrating years of my life not feeling well before finally finding out what’s going on. I am really looking forward to feeling better to say the least!

Anyway, to make a long story short, I am finding a ton of conflicting information out there about gluten in cosmetics and skin/beauty care products and I am feeling VERY overwhelmed. In my desperate search to uncover the mysteries behind my products I have sent countless emails to countless companies that either give no response back or else they give a really nebulous answer back. It seems like it could be a full-time job to figure all this stuff out!

Should I just stick with companies like AfterGlow and Alima Pure Makeup (thanks for that recommendation Wendy – I hadn’t heard of them) and companies that will give me a straight-forward answer?!

I use Smashbox makeup. I find it is very good quality although somewhat more expensive. They are also one of the few companies that gave me a helpful amswer to my gluten question. I emailed them and they told me most of their products do not contain gluten except for the following:

I use Smashbox makeup. I find it is very good quality although somewhat more expensive. They are also one of the few companies that gave me a helpful amswer to my gluten question. I emailed them and they told me most of their products do not contain gluten except for the following:

Be careful about topical products. Nearly everything you put on your skin can be absorbed into your blood stream within 26 seconds so it actually is VERY important to check your lotions, make up and even hair products for gluten or other ingredients you might have problems with. Most people don’t realize that, but everything you’re putting on your skin, you should feel comfortable digesting because in one way or another, you might be…

I have celiac sprue, I was diagnosed in the late 90’s it is very important to check mouth wash, tooth paste, shampoo,soap, Laundry detergent, lotions, perfume etc.
Dramatise herpetiforme is a skin condition caused from gluten and only celiac sprue suffers get it. The skin is the largest orgin of our body and needs to be considered, it is not only what you ingest that affects you it can be everything you put on your body also. Good luck and keep researching each product.
Joyce

I use this product for gluten-free lipstick. I love it and find it better than most dept store lipsticks. http://www.redapplelipstick.com/… This brand is not only gluten-free, it’s Paraben free. Oh, and I love that it has Vitamin E in it.

What goes on your skin is absorbed into your blood stream. In my opinion, if you should not be eating gluten you should not be washing with it or putting on your skin, lips, or eyes. I have several food allergies and have gone to making my own skincare products and I have tried several gluten free cosmetics from After Glow and 100% Pure. Then I went make-up free altogether, except for mascara and lip color. I was searching for an affordable gluten-free mascara when I found this site. I also found another blog and read comments which explained why I have been dealing with dry itchy eyes – the gluten in my mascara. Well. I cannot make my own mascara, not yet anyway. But I do not want to either. Making soap, lotion, body butters, shampoo/conditioner, and astringent is enough for me.

A lip liner, gloss or lipstick, and mascara work for me in my daily cosmetic bag, but on special occasions I may have to indulge in a bit more color. However, seeing as high glamor is not a frequent event for me, I’ll cross that bridge when I get there because to buy makeup and use it once is a big waste of money. I am glad I grew up liking mysteries because I research everything and all ingredients now, and I am healthier and happier for my efforts too. Goodbye allergens, goodbye carcinogens, goodbye liver destroyers!

I use Mary Kay Makeup, They have a list which the (concultins) have access to that list anything that has gluten in it, the only thing I’ve found
that has gluten in it is ( concealer-beige 1 ).3oz net. wt.

Allergies and Sensitivities to Gluten (not celiac) or other substances, mean your body reacts to those substances as if they were harmful (like bad bacteria, viruses, foreign bodies..etc). Your body produces antibodies as a reaction to try to destroy the harmful substance. This happens anywhere in the body, not just in the GI.tract. so yes, the allergen needs to be eliminated from anything you come in contact with. (Of course reactions differ….But small amounts of everything that enters your body STAY, and can build up, causing slow damage that you wont notice til it gets BAD, and then it’s very hard to correct…

according to my allergist 70% of things we put on our body are often in one way of another, accidentally end up in our mouths, so you said if you dont plan on having it near your mouth you shouldnt worry. I accidentally got my hair in my mouth a month ago and I use shampoo and conditioner with gluten and I later had a reaction to the gluten. people dont think about how much they touch their eyes, legs then maybe you touch a pen and then end up chewing on that pen. Most doctors actually recommend, a full gluten free lifestyle, because like all other allergies, the more often you are exposed to the allergen, the worse the effects can be.

The comment that gluten has to get into your digestive track to cause a problem is COMPLETELY wrong. You are assuming that every reaction to gluten is gut related and many cosmetic companies think that makeup can only affect you if you eat it or get the rash that some gluten sensitive people get. NOT TRUE. The highest majority of people it is now known have neurological problems to wheat. If we can take hormones transdermally and other nutrients, why do you think that you wouldn’t react to gluten??? I can tell you first hand the I do react to gluten in topical products. Now I can’t say for sure that just putting an eye shadow on my eyes would cause me a bad reaction, but I have put a lotion all over my body and started to have a reaction by that afternoon, not realizing I had used a lotion with gluten or wasn’t really paying much attention because everyone was saying that topical products can’t cause one to react, I used it again the next day and my reaction intensified. I then started to search for what I had done differently and I saw that the lotion indeed had wheat in it. Don’t believe the hype, be safe, and buy gluten-free. Gluten sensitivity is largely an immune reaction and even a small amount can keep your immune system fighting and will eventually cause you a lot of health problems even if it’s not immediately apparent!!

I am a celiac who has always had “sensitive skin”. Much less sensitive now that I’m not putting gluten-y products on it! I can actually wear makeup all day for more than two days in a row. I don’t usually do it, but I can. I like Sweet Libertine for my eyeshadows. The proprietor is gluten-intolerant herself and started making makeup and selling it because of her sensitive skin issues. Plus, every time you buy makeup, they send you a sample of another color. I’ve found a couple of new favorites that way! I’m currently on the hunt for a good lipstick and I’m thinking about taking the plunge to try the Red Apple stuff as I’ve only ever heard great stuff about it. I’ve been getting (and using) the Gluten Free Makeup Gal’s list. She keeps it well-updated and it’s been a great resource when I need something quick. http://www.glutenfreemakeupgal.com

I just wanted to add to this discussion and say that I do react to gluten on my skin (not just lipstick). If I use foundation or blush with gluten I break out. One time I put lotion on my hands and they were hurting badly within a half hour. And I didn’t think to check the lotion until later that day. I found that it had gluten. So while most people might not have this problem, celiacs and gluten intolerant people should listen to their bodies and not rule it out!